Starbucks sued by man who claims he was served drink containing coffee urn cleaner

GRETNA – A corporate coffee franchise is being sued by a man who claims he was served coffee contaminated with chemicals used to clean coffee urns.

Bryan Roussel filed suit against Starbucks Corp. and Starbucks Coffee Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on June 20.

Roussel claims that he visited the Starbucks located at 5161 Citrus Blvd. in Harahan where he ordered a cup of coffee. The plaintiff alleges that the coffee he was served tasted strange and when he opened the lid it had a strong chemical smell. Roussel asserts that he was told that the chemical was coffee urn cleaner. The plaintiff claims that he experienced a sore throat, nausea, fear, fright, worry and anxiety.

The defendant is accused of failing to ensure the coffee was pure and unaltered and failing to properly maintain and clean the coffee machines and urns.

Damages not to exceed $50,000 are sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress.

Roussel is represented by Franklin G. Shaw of Covington-based Leger & Shaw.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Henry G. Sullivan Jr.

Case no. 728-267.